1 Kings 8

1 Kings 8:1

IT came to passe when Solomon had finished the luilding f the house of the Lord] 2 Chron. 7. 11.

and the kings house, and all Solomons desire, which he was pleased to do) This latter part of the verse must be included in a parenthesis, for the second verse depends on the former part. To make up the sence of the latter part, the principall verb may be repeated, and thus added, he finished.

1 Kings 8:2

second time] See chap. 6. v. 11.

as he had appeared] Chap. 3. 5. In the night, 2 Chronicles 7:12.

1 Kings 8:3

I have hallowed] Set it apart to those holy uses for which thou hast prayed, Genesis 2:3.

my rame] See chap. 8. v. 16.

mine eyes] See chap. 8. 29.

mine heart] I will not onely take notice of the prayers made and services done in this house, but also set my heart thereon, and manifest my grace and favour therein.

1 Kings 8:4

if thou wilt] See chapter 2. vers. 4. and 3. 14. and 6. 12, 13.

1 Kings 8:5

establish] Make to continue: so as no other stock, but thine, shall sit thereon, Chap. 2. 4. and 8. 25. 2 Samuel 7:16.

for ever] See chap. 8. 13.

as I promised to David thy father] 2 Samuel 7:12. 1 Chronicles 22:10.

1 Kings 8:6

at all turn] Heb. turning, turn. Clean turn away, obstinately, totally.

from following me] Heb. from after me; If ye shall renounce me, and my service: as servants who are weary of their master, and will no longer follow him, 1 Kings 18:21.

1 Kings 8:7

I will cut off] As a tree stocked up: rout and branches, 2 Kings 17:20.

for my name] Vers. 3. Jesm. 7. 14.

out of my sight] Out of my protection and favour. This is directly contrary to the promised blessing, vers. 3.

a preverb] Such as this, worse then a Jew. To other painfull judgements, shame and disgrace shall be added, Deuteronomy 28:37. Jerem. 24. 9.

1 Kings 8:8

astonished] Through horrour.

hisse] In derision and scorn, Jeremiah 19:8. Lamentations 2:15.

Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and to this house?] Deuteronomy 29:24. Jerem. 22. 8.

1 Kings 8:9

they forsook] The very heathen detest apostasie, as justly deserving severe vengeance. See Jerem. 2. 11. Lamentations 4:15.

therefore] Gods judgements appear just in all mens eyes.

1 Kings 8:10

it came to passe at the end of twenty yeers, when Solomon had built the two houses] 2 Chron. 8. 1.

house of the Lord] In seven yeers, Chap. 6. v. 38.

the kings house] In thirteen yeers, chap. 7. v. 1. under the kings house, the queens house (chap. 7. 8.) the house of Lebanon (chap. 7. 1.) and the appurtenances to them, are comprised.

1 Kings 8:11

Galilee] That which is stiled Galilee of the Gentiles. Isaiah 9:1. Matthew 4:15. So called, because it was, before Davids time, inhabited by Gentiles, and because it bordered upon the Gentiles, namely upon Tyrus. See the notes on Joshua 19:27. Or, Galilee may be taken appellatively for a circuit of land, (Joel 3. 4.) and applyed to such cities, as without the land of Israels inheritance, might not be alienated.

1 Kings 8:12

pleased him not] Heb. were not right in his eyes. Gave him no content. Therefore he returned them back again to Solomon, 2 Chron. 8. 2. See the notes on Joshua 19. vers. 27.

1 Kings 8:13

surely built] Or, building I have built] Or, perfectly finished.

for thee] He directeth his speech to God, to testifie the great devotion of his soul.

to dwell in] To manifest thy presence therein: See chap. 6. v. 13.

a setled] Not to be removed, as the tabernacle was. See v. 4.

for ever] So long as Israel should remain to be the people of God: as Genesis 13:15. Exodus 12:17.

1 Kings 8:14

about] From the west, where the oracle stood, to the east, where the people stood together.

blessed] Prayed to the LORD for all blessings on them, as Numbers 6:23. Psalms 118:26. Yea, blessed the LORD for his mercy to them, as vers. 55, 56.

all] See v. 3.

stood] In testimony of their reverence, attention and observation.

1 Kings 8:15

Blessed] Praised, Psal. 115. 17, 18.

spake] By Nathan, 2 Samuel 7:6. For prophets are Gods mouth, Exodus 4:15. Isaiah 3:16. 2 Corinthians 13:3.

1 Kings 8:16

taken Gezer] For the Canaanites and Philistines held it at that time, Judg. 1. 29. 1 Samuel 27:8. 1 Chron. 20. 4.

1 Kings 8:17

the nether] Two Beth-horons, the nether and upper, are bounded, Josh. 16. 3, 5. See 2 Chro. 8. 5. The nether was in the tribe of Benjamin, Josh. 18. 11, 13. The upper in the tribe of Ephraim, Joshua 16:5. and appertaining to the Levites, Joshua 21:22.

1 Kings 8:18

Baalath] In the tribe of Dan, Joshua 19:44.

Tadmor] In the coast of Syria.

in the wildernesse] In a dry and sandy place.

in the land] Of Israel, though at the utmost coasts thereof. This clause (in the land) may be referred to all the fore-mentioned places.

1 Kings 8:19

of store] Of ammunition, provision, and all manner of preparation for war, navigation, food, clothing, and other necessaries, as Exodus 1:11.

that which Solomon desired] Heb. the desire of Solomon which he desired.

in Lebanon] See Chap. 7. 2.

1 Kings 8:20

left] See Judg. 1. 21, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33. and 2. 23.

1 Kings 8:21

levy] See vers. 15. and 21. Chap. 5. 13.

1 Kings 8:22

make no bond-men] Leviticus 25:39.

men of war] Trained up to that noble discipline.

servants of Solomon] Imployed in free and honourable functions, ordained by Solomon, and they and their posterity thereupon stiled Solomons servants, Ezra 2:55. Nehe. 7. 57. These are opposed to the bondmen.

1 Kings 8:23

five hundred and fifty] In 2 Chron. 8. 10. but two hundred and fifty, for five hundred did serve by turns: two hundred and fifty at a time. These are mentioned, 2 Chron. 8. 10. Fifty were over those rulers in their course, to take account of the five hundred, the whole reckoned up together, make five hundred and fifty. See the notes on Chap. 5. v. 16.

1 Kings 8:24

Pharaohs daughter came up out of the city of David] 2 Chron. 8. 11.

city of David] See Chap. 3. 1.

her house] See Chap. 7. v. 8.

Millo] See vers. 15.

1 Kings 8:25

three times] At the three great feasts: the Passeover, the feast of weeks, and the feast of tabernacles, Deuteronomy 1:6. In 2 Chron. 8. 16. it appears that he offered sacrifices at sundry other times: but these he observed most solemnly and constantly.

offer] By the ministery of the priests: for note 2 Chronicles 26:16.

the altar which, &c.] The great brasen altar, Chap. 8. v. 62.

upon] Heb. upon it.

before the Lord] Before the ark in the oracle, which was a representation of Gods presence.

1 Kings 8:26

Ezion-geber, Eloth] Two places in the wildernesse, where the Israelites had there stations, Deuteronomy 2:8. They were both sea-havens by the red-sea.

shore] Heb. lip.

1 Kings 8:27

sent in the navy] The navy was Solomons, and the ships thereof made by his appointment. Where it is said (2 Chron. 8. 18.) that Hiram sent Solomon, by the hands of his servants, ships, the meaning is, that Hiram conducted or guided Solomons ships, by the skill and industry of his servants. For the word translated, sent, signifieth also to conduct, guide, or bring on the way, Genesis 18:16.

1 Kings 8:28

Ophir] An Island in the Indies, where the most precious gold is to be had. Hereupon the finest gold is stiled gold of Ophir, Job 22:24. 28. 16. Psalms 45:9. Isaiah 13:12. It is also stiled gold of Parvaim, 2 Chron. 3. 6. This is supposed to be in Havilah, Genesis 2:11. It is called perfections of gold, 2 Chron. 4. 21.

four hundred and twenty] In 2 Chronicles 8:18. mention is made of four hundred and fifty. Answ. Four hundred and twenty talents were brought to Solomon: the thirty overplus was for all manner of charges.

talents] See the note on vers. 14.

1 Kings 8:29

thine eyes] Another phrase applyed to God after the manner of man, as verse 24. The meaning is, That God would shew that he taketh speciall notice of all things done in that house, by hearing all manner of prayers in it, or towards it. See Psalms 33:18. and Psalms 34:15. The like may be said of Gods hearkning, or being attent with his ears, 2 Chro. 6. 40.

this house] For it was an especiall type of Christ.

night and day] Continually.

My name shall be there] See vers. 16. Deuteronomy 12:11.

towards this place] Or, in this place. See verse 44.

1 Kings 8:30

towards this place] Or, in this place.

1 Kings 8:31

trespasse] Be suspected to have done wrong, as Numbers 5:14.

and an oath be laid upon him] Heb. and he require an oath of him. He means an oath of execration.

be laid upon him] By a Judge, Exodus 22:8.

and the oath] The man that taketh the oath.

before thine altar] Which was a sign of Gods presence there.

Thither was he brought, to work in him the more fear of Gods presence, Numbers 9:16. The swearers laying his hand on a Book, among us, is to work the greater fear.

1 Kings 8:32

in heaven] Though thou beest in heaven, yet shew that thou hearest things on earth.

his way] His just desert, Ezekiel 9:10. Or, such measure as he would have mete unto others.

1 Kings 8:33

smitten down] Overcome. Mention is made of four cases, in regard of enemies. First, when enemies smite them down in the field. Secondly, when enemies besiege them, v. 37. Thirdly, when God sends them out against enemies, vers. 44. Fourthly, when enemies carry them into captivity, verse 46.

thy name] Thy justice, in giving them over to the enemy. See Joshua 7:19.

in] Or, towards.

1 Kings 8:35

heaven] The lowest heaven, where clouds are.

shut] When clouds let down rain, the heavens are said to be opened, Deuteronomy 28:12. and shut, when there is no rain, Deuteronomy 11:12. yea, they are said to be as iron, which melts not, when there is no rain, Leviticus 26:19.

1 Kings 8:36

that thou teach them] By that affliction: Or, when thou shalt have taught them (as 2 Chron. 6. 26.) and so they have learned the end and use of thy judgements, Isaiah 26:9.

good way] Right course prescribed in Gods word: good, because pleasing to God, and profitable to themselves.

1 Kings 8:37

in the land] Of Israel.

pestilence] Any infcting, destroying disease, 2 Samuel 15:24.

blasting] By the east-winde, which by smiting green ears of corn, makes them wither, Genesis 41:6.

mil-dew] A dew, that falling on corn, turns the grain into noisome dust or powder. Blasting, and mil-dew are oft joyned together, Deuteronomy 28:22. Amos 4:9. Haggai 2:17.

locust] A fly with long legs which wasteth corn, Exodus 10:4-5. Deuteronomy 28:42. So do caterpillars also, Psal. 105. 34, 35. See the notes on Leviticus 11:12. and on Matthew 3:4. These four last are ordinary causes of famine.

in the land of their cities] Or, in the cities of their land. Or, jurisdiction, 2 Chronicles 6:28.

plague] The word signifieth a stroke: it is translated stripes, 2 Samuel 7:14. Its put for any kinde of judgement, Exodus 11:1.

1 Kings 8:38

by any man] Singly alone.

by all] Joyntly together.

of his own heart] By which his own heart and conscience is smitten (as 2 Samuel 24:10.) and thereby is moved to pray.

1 Kings 8:39

according to his wayes] According to the present course which he taketh, namely, of repentance.

1 Kings 8:41

a stranger] Willing to associate himself with the people of God.

far countrey] As Matthew 2:1. and Matthew 12:42. Acts 8:27.

for thy names sake] To worship and praise thee, having heard of thee, and of thy great works, whereby he knoweth and beleeveth thee to be the onely true God: As Exodus 12:38. and 18. 11, 12. Joshua 2:9. See chap. 5. vers. 1.

1 Kings 8:42

hand, arm] See verses 24. and 29. The mighty power of God is set out by these metaphors, as Ps. 136. 12. Jere. 32. 17.

1 Kings 8:43

this house which I have builded, is called by thy name] Heb. thy name is called upon this house. The temple of the LORD. (as Genesis 48:16.) and that it is not in vain so called.

1 Kings 8:44

go out] In a just cause, warranted by Gods word.

thou shalt send] Gods warrant for the war which is intended, is a good ground of faith in Gods assistance, and of praying for it.

toward the citie] Heb. the way of the city. When they cannot come to it: testifying thereby, that all there confidence is placed in the true God, whose presence is in an especiall manner manifested in that temple, a type of Christ.

the city] Jerusalem, Daniel 6:10. The city is mentioned because the temple was built in it, vers. 1. and chap. 11. v. 36.

1 Kings 8:45

their cause] Or, right. Their just and righteous cause, by giving good successe, Psalms 9:4. and Psalms 140:13. see vers. 49.

1 Kings 8:46

for there is no man that sinneth not] 2 Chron. 6. 36. Ecclesiastes 7:20. 1 John 1. 8, 10.

1 Kings 8:47

bethink themselves] Heb. bring back to their heart] Call to minde their sins. Hezekiah repaired it, 2 Chron. 32. 5. It was in Zion which David won from the Jebusites. See on 2 Sam. 5. 7, 9. Solomon (both here and Chap. 11. 27.) is said to build it, in that he so repaired, and beautisied it, as he made it as a new one.

Hazor] In the tribe of Nephthali, Joshua 19:32; Joshua 19:36. See Joshua 11:10, &c.

Megio] In the tribe of Manasseh, Joshua 17:11. Judges 1:27.

Gezer] In the tribe of Ephraim, belonging to the Levites, Joshua 21:21. 1 Chronicles 6:67.

1 Kings 8:49

their cause] Or, right. Take part with thy people that repent, and pray against the unjust oppression of their enemies, Isai. 10. 6, 7. and 47. 6. Zac 1:15.

1 Kings 8:50

give them compassion] Procure pitty, grace, and favour for them. Turn the heart of their enemies toward them, Genesis 39:21. and 43. 14. Examples, Ezra 7:6. Nehe. 2. 2. Esth. 2. 9, 17. and 6. 10. and 10. 2, 3. Dan. 1. 9, 17. and 2 48, 49. Psalms 106:46.

1 Kings 8:51

furnace of iron] Hard and cruell oppression. See Deuteronomy 4:20. Isaiah 48:10. A furnace to melt iron in useth to be the hottest. See Jerem. 11. 4.

1 Kings 8:53

separate] Chosen and called there to be a peculiar people to himself, Exodus 19:5. Deuteronomy 7:6. and Deuteronomy 14:2.

inheritance] Men are very carefull of their inheritance, to keep it, to fence it, every way to improve it for the best advantage they can, Deuteronomy 9:26; Deuteronomy 9:29.

as thou spakest by the hand of Moses] Exodus 19:5.

1 Kings 8:54

from kneeling] See v. 22.

spreading] See v. 22.

1 Kings 8:55

blessed] See v. 14.

1 Kings 8:56

rest] peace.

according to all] He hath to the full, accomplished all that he promised, Joshua 23:14.

failed] Heb. fallen. Or, lest any thing undone.

hand] Or, ministery, Exodus 4:13.

1 Kings 8:57

with us] Oft was this promised, Deut. 31. 6, 8. Joshua 1:5. 1 Chron. 28. 20. Mark the inferences made heroupon, Romans 8:31. Heb. 13. 5, 6.

1 Kings 8:58

incline] Psalms 9:36. Otherwise nothing can be well done, 2 Corinthians 3:5.

wayes] See chap. 2. v. 3.

1 Kings 8:59

nigh] Ever in his minde and memory.

the cause] See v. 45.

his servant] Solomon, as v. 28.

at all times] Heb. the thing of a day in his day. Day after day. The Hebrew phrase is translated daily (Exodus 5:13; Exodus 5:19. Daniel 1:5.) every day (Exodus 16:4.) upon his day (Leviticus 23:37.) as every dayes work required (1 Chronicles 16:37.) after a certain rate every day (2 Chronicles 8:13.) as the duty of every day required, 2 Chronicles 8:14.

1 Kings 8:60

may know that the Lord is God] Deut. 4. 35, 39.

1 Kings 8:61

perfect] Entire, in a sincere subjection of it self wholly, and onely to God, 1 Chro. 28. 9. and 29. 19. 2 Kings 20:3. This is the best and greatest perfection that in this world can be attained unto. See Genesis 17:1.

as at this day] Still, from time to time continually, as now ye do.

1 Kings 8:62

the king, and all Israel with him, offered, &c.] 2 Chr. 7. 4.

1 Kings 8:63

two and twenty thousand, &c.] The greatest that we read of. Great sacrifices are mentioned, 1 Chro. 29. 21. 2 Chr. 15. 11. and 29. 32. and 30. 24. and 35. 7, 8, 9. But none like this. By the multitude of sacrifices, pious Jews were wont to testifie their zealous and gratefull affection to God: wherein hypocrites would make shew of imitating them, Mic. 6. 7.

and all] They also brought oxen and sheep, and so made up the foresaid number.

dedicated] By their joynt prayers, praises, and sacrifices.

1 Kings 8:64

The same day did the king] 2 Chron. 7. 7. By the ministery of the priests.

hallow Set apart to that holy service, Exodus 13:2; Exodus 13:12.

the middle] Of the priests court: either by erecting other altars there, for that present use, or by using the pavement in steed of an altar.

burnt-offerings, &c.] Under these three heads, all ordinary sacrifices are comprised: as Joshua 22:23. Of burnt-offerings, see Levit. 1. of meat-offerings, see Levit. 2. of peace-offerings, see Levit. 3. See chap. 3. 15.

1 Kings 8:65

at that time] At the dedication of the temple.

a feast] Beside the feast of tabernacles, v. 2. See on 1 Chronicles 16:3. from the entring] Which came from all coasts of the land, even from north to south.

Hamath] The utmost part of Canaan on the north, Numbers 13:22. and 34. 7, 8.

river of Egypt] On the south. Numbers 34:3; Numbers 34:5. Joshua 13:3. See chap. 4. 21.

seven and seven] Seven for the feast of tabernacles, Leviticus 23:34. and seven for the dedication, 2 Chronicles 7:9. See the notes on 1 Chronicles 15:26.

1 Kings 8:66

the eighth day] After the second feast, being the three and twentieth of the seventh moneth, 2 Chron. 7. 10. For on the two and twentieth day, an holy convocation was enjoyned, Leviticus 23:36.

blessed] Thanked him, and prayed to God for him.

David] Davids house and posterity, according to the promise made to David himself.